The construction of a new bridge between Portugal and Spain, over the River Sever, promises to improve the connection between the two countries in an area of the border where travel still requires long journeys. The project has been awaited by local populations for several years and could bring important gains to mobility, the economy and cooperation between both sides of the divide.
This future infrastructure will connect Montalvão, in the municipality of Nisa, to Cedillo, in the Spanish province of Cáceres, in Extremadura.
According to the Spanish portal, this will be a direct crossing in an area where there is currently no permanent road connection between the two locations.
Direct connection between the two countries
The bridge will be built over the River Sever, which marks part of the border between Portugal and Spain. With this new connection, the objective is to reduce the isolation of cross-border communities that, at the moment, depend on much longer journeys to cross from one country to another.
According to the same source, the crossing will shorten the connection between Montalvão and Cedillo by around 85 kilometers. In practice, this reduction could represent relevant savings in travel time, fuel and costs associated with travel.
Impact on regional mobility
The new bridge between Portugal and Spain could also have repercussions for those traveling between Lisbon and Madrid. By improving road connections in this interior area, the infrastructure could make some routes more efficient and open up a new circulation alternative.
Still, the bridge will not replace the main expressways already used between the two countries. Its role will mainly be to reinforce the accessibility network on the Portuguese-Spanish border, creating an additional solution for local populations and those traveling in this region.
The global investment is estimated at more than 24 million euros. According to the same source, around five million euros will be guaranteed by the government of Extremadura, while more than 19 million euros will be paid by the Nisa City Council.
Expected long-term benefits
This is a project that has been demanded for decades by populations on both sides of the border, who see the bridge as an opportunity to bring neighboring territories closer together. Among the main expected benefits is the improvement of the connection between Montalvão and Cedillo, facilitating daily travel, access to services and family contacts.
The new infrastructure, according to 20minutos, could also have a positive impact on the local economy, through increased commercial exchange, tourism and new investment opportunities.
For areas with low population density, such a connection can help combat isolation and give a new dynamic to the territory.
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